John W. Gardner Quotes & Sayings (Page 3)

“Some people have greatness thrust upon them. Very few have excellence thrust upon them.”

“All laws are an attempt to domesticate the natural ferocity of the species.”

“If you don't give your kid freedom to make choices with money, including stupid choices, he'll make plenty when he gets to college.”

“It's a staggering transition for high school students that found they could study five hours a week and make As and Bs.”

“Leaders come in many forms, with many styles and diverse qualities. There are quiet leaders and leaders one can hear in the next county. Some find strength in eloquence, some in judgment, some in courage.”

“America's greatness has been the greatness of a free people who shared certain moral commitments. Freedom without moral commitment is aimless and promptly self-destructive.”

“I am entirely certain that twenty years from now we will look back at education as it is practiced in most schools today and wonder that we could have tolerated anything so primitive.”

“The cynic says, 'One man can't do anything.' I say, 'Only one man can do anything.'”

“It is hard to feel individually responsible with respect to the invisible processes of a huge and distant government.”